South African Plastics Pact achieves milestones in circular economy

SOUTH AFRICA – The South African (SA) Plastics Pact has made significant strides toward a circular economy for plastic packaging, according to its latest annual report.

The 27-member organization, which includes key industry players, has shown steady progress since the publication of its 2020 baseline report. 

The 2023 report highlights continued improvements in meeting the Pact’s four ambitious targets for 2025.

Notably, there has been a marked increase in the quality and quantity of data received from members, offering clearer insights into the state of plastic packaging in South Africa. 

“There was a significant rise in member participation, with 80% of brand owners and retailers reporting on their 2023 packaging portfolio—an improvement from previous years. This demonstrates an ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration,” said Roan Snyman, Circular Economy Analyst at GreenCape, the SA Plastics Pact secretariat. 

Progress on plastic reduction targets

The SA Plastics Pact has set four key targets to drive sustainability in plastic packaging. The first target focuses on eliminating problematic plastic items.

Members have significantly reduced the distribution of these materials, achieving a 91% reduction in plastic straws, a 78% decrease in plastic cutlery, a 41% decline in thin barrier bags, and a 59% drop in rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging.

The second target ensures that all Pact members’ plastic packaging entering the market is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

The report reveals that 81% of plastic packaging is now recyclable, an improvement from 73% in 2020.

Additionally, recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has increased by 11,000 tons, while multilayer multipolymer packaging has been reduced by 3,000 tons.

The third target aims for a 70% recycling rate to improve the collection of recyclable plastics. The latest report indicates an 18% increase in recycling of all plastic materials in South Africa.

The fourth target seeks to incorporate at least 30% recycled content in new plastic packaging to create demand for recycled material.

Pact members have progressed, with 24% recycled content now included in new packaging—an increase of 5% from the baseline report. Since 2020, over 11,000 tons of recycled PET have been used in packaging.

Industry commitment and collaboration

“The 2023 report reflects the collective efforts of our members to transform the plastic packaging sector,” said Blain van Wyk, SA Plastics Pact Steering Committee Chairperson and Public Policy Manager at PepsiCo South Africa.

“While progress is evident, ongoing collaboration and innovation are crucial to meeting our 2025 targets.”

The SA Plastics Pact emphasizes that achieving a circular economy requires a united effort from businesses, policymakers, and consumers.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution. True progress requires active collaboration across the entire value chain,” Snyman added.

As South Africa pushes toward more sustainable packaging solutions, the Pact’s initiatives highlight the industry’s growing commitment to responsible plastic use and environmental stewardship.

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